In “The Apology,” Socrates stands blamed for corrupting the young people of Athens and teaching the false divine beings, charges that eventually lead to his conviction. All through his defence, Socrates eagerly denies these allegations and declares that his activities are driven by a profound love for Athens. Accordingly, this paper is to dissect Socrates’ defence against the allegations introduced in “The Apology” and assess whether he really loved Athens by drawing bits of knowledge from both “The Apology” and “The Symposium.”
In “The Apology,” Socrates justifies himself by using a mix of rationale, reason, and irony to address the allegations set out against him. He contends that his philosophical exercises are pointed toward advancing the
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He contends that he can’t be considered liable for the supposed defilement since he has not professed to have any wisdom. Socrates states, “I neither know it in fact, nor think that I do” (The Apology, 21d). Instead, his tenacious quest for truth through the Socratic method is established in his craving to uncover the ignorance of others, as well as his own. For example, Socrates states, “Because all I do is to go about, persuading you young and old alike, not to care for your bodies or for your wealth so intensely as for the greatest possible wellbeing of your souls” (The Apology, 30b). Here, Socrates underscores his concern for the spiritual and intellectual development of the Athenians, representing his devotion to their …show more content…
Even though he doesn’t expressly announce his affection for the city, his words and actions all through the dialogue uncover his passion for Athens.
In “The Symposium,” Socrates interacts with a wise woman named Diotima, who provides him with the idea of love as a desire for wisdom and immortality. As indicated by Diotima, the affection Socrates embodies goes beyond physical attraction and extends to the intellectual and moral realm. Socrates aspires to transcend the finite and the earthly, seeking eternal truths and the improvement of the soul. Basically, love inspires people to seek wisdom, knowledge, and goodness, ultimately driving them toward the ideal form of beauty.
Socrates’ commitment to philosophical questions may be illustrated as a declaration of his affection for Athens, as he believes that through his relentless questioning and examination of ideas, he can lead others to self-reflection and personal growth. Socrates believes that by taking part in philosophical talks and challenging societal norms, he can help Athens to better comprehend justice, truth, and virtue. In other words, he accepts that a truly just society can only be accomplished through the development of wisdom and moral virtue. Hence, Socrates considers himself to be a servant of the city, driven by a feeling of duty to contribute